Royal Rajasthan.

Royal Rajasthan

A 13 night tour of royal India covering Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Delhi. A journey into the mystique of a bygone India with its rich heritage and influences from its varied past with glimpses of the romance of palaces, sacred temples, magical lakes, legends of valour, intrigue and fairytale weddings. A window into the best of Northern India for the uninitiated or the seasoned traveler to India where each journey is a path to self discovery. India, extraordinarily diverse in landscapes, people, food and culture makes it a fascinating destination for every traveler. Enduring images of Towering temples, Sumptuous Palaces, shimmering silks and exotic spices, enchanting dances and music all of which make for an unrivalled travel experience we call 'Incredible India'.The tour makes you explore the best of Northern India namely Delhi,Agra and Rajastan through its royal routes and deserts. The epitome of love-.the unique Taj Mahal will cherish you with a story of never ending love. The many colonial and religious influences over the centuries have left their architectural stamp on the region, its culture, languages, cuisine and lifestyle which in spite of the seeming similarity, every state has a different scenery, festivals, food, architecture and cultural variations to offer with each state in its own right a fascinating tourist destination.

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The below itinerary is only a pilot programme to give you an idea on the destinations which could be covered within a certain period. It will be our pleasure to customise the programme to suite your interests, budget and duration. Please feel free to contact us for any such customisation and prices.

Day 01:Arrival Delhi

You will arrive in the morning at Delhi International Airport following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon go for an orientation tour of Delhi visiting India Gate. Also drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President’s Residence, the Parliament House – the Government headquarters and other Government buildings. Overnight at hotel.

India's capital and a major gateway tothe country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. One of the most historic capitals in the world, Delhi is a treasure trove that reveals the ultimate combination of tradition and trends. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11^th to 20^th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Its many-layered existence is tantalizing and can entice the curious traveller into a fascinating journey of discovery.

A holiday at Delhi, the capital city of India will expose you to innumerable facets of Indian heritage, culture and tourism. It will be a vacation much beyond just monuments, museums or gardens of the Mughal and British period. For it also offers you a wealth of new age tourist attractions to choose from. With shopping malls, multiplexes and amusement parks springing up around Delhi, the city has left behind its image of being a sedate city of politicians and has acquired a younger and more dynamic feel, which you will discover on your Indian holiday in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast at hotel, proceed on combined tour of Old & New Delhi. You will head for a guided city tour of the Old City of ‘Shahjahanabad’, founded by one of the greatest Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Your introduction to the city will be with a visit to Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, drive past the Red Fort - the magical monument in red sandstone, built at the pinnacle of the Mogul empire. Visit the bustling streets to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan.

Afternoon tour of New Delhi. Visit Qutab Minar (Tower of Victory) - built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India. You will also visit Lotus temple and Birla temple. Laxmi Narayan Temple. Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, is a modern Hindu temple built in 1938 and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is an ideal introduction to some of the gods of the India pantheon. Visitors can also watch priests performing ritualistic prayers. Continue on to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib located near Connaught Place, this was the royal palace of Raja Jai Singh. He dedicated this palace to the sacred memory of the 8th Sikh Guru Harkishanji. As in all Sikh places of worship, visitors of all religions irrespective of their cast, colour or creed are welcome.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03:Delhi -Agra

After breakfast at the hotel,drive towards Agra (203 Kms / approx 05 Hours) .Afternoon for sightseeing of Agra.You may visit the local bazaar to see the public life.Overnight at Hotel.

Welcome to Agra – globally renowned as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Day 04:Agra

Full day to explore Agra.You will visit the great Taj Mahal and Great Fort of Agra.Overnight at Hotel.

Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday), Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. A symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. There are tombs of Mumtaz and Shahjahan within the mausoleum. Done in white marble, it took 22 years and over 20,000 workers and craftsmen to complete this rhapsody in stone (1630-52 AD). The main structure is set amidst landscaped gardens. While on three sides it is surrounded by high walls, the rear is bound by the river Yamuna.Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.

Later afternoon proceed for your visit to Great Fort of Agra, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Situated 1 km upstream of the Taj Mahal, on the right bank of the Yamuna, the Agra fort was built under the direction of Akbar, by Mohammed Quasim Khan, his commander-in-Chief and Governor of Kabul and added to by his son Jehangir and grandson Shahjahan. An imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost 3 kilometres (two miles) long.

Day 05:Agra-Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel,drive to Jaipur (240 Kms / approx 06 Hours) en route visiting Akbar’s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Located 40 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned due to paucity of water. It is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built which leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal's House and the Diwan-i-Khas.

The vibrant capital of Rajasthan renowned for its forts and palaces is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the pink-colored buildings in its old city. An ideal base for touring the royal state, the city has the distinction of being the third jewel of India's "Golden Triangle". Its main claim to fame is that it is India's first 'planned' city built by the famous 18th century astronomer King Sawai Jai Singh II.Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state; it is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan's multifaceted attractions. Its beautiful buildings including the City Palace, Amer Fort and the landmark Hawa Mahal are truly worth seeing. Browsing through the markets in Jaipur, where skilled craftsmen display jewellery, paintings, carvings and colourful textiles, is an enjoyable experience for tourists.

On arrival at Jaipur,check into your hotel for overnight stay.You may opt to visit Chokhi Dhani Village for a Dinner accompanied Cultural evening.

Chokhi Dhani Village has been the mirror of Rajasthani culture since 1989. Started as part of ambiance for a restaurant, over the years it has evolved as a tasteful and authentic symbol of ethnic village life of this most colorful state in the country. Today, the name of Chokhi Dhani is synonymous with Rajasthani culture throughout the country.

Spread over 10 acres of beautifully landscaped area for a rustic look, it is dotted with machaans & platforms where different folk artists perform concurrently. A village fair is created every evening as an ongoing celebration of the rich & vibrant cultural heritage of Rajasthan.The display of traditional huts and workmanship will take you back to the times when splendor was unpretentious. Live dance and music performance all through the evenings is one of the major attractions at Chokhi Dhani Village. The exposure that the local folk artistes have received has revived many of the arts and crafts that were getting all but forgotten in these modern times. The magic show, the puppet show, acrobatics on a bamboo without the protection of a safety net beneath, the astrologer, the fortune teller parrot all made the visitors spellbound.

Day 06:Jaipur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to visit the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort enroute you will have a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Full day city tour of Jaipur.Overnight at Hotel.

Amber fort is situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, surrounded by fortified battlements. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17^th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding area.

At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant (If elephants are not available then jeeps will be provided as an alternate) for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Niwas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. Pierced screen windows offer views from different vantage points and shimmering mirrors encrust the walls of Sheesh Mahal.

Following your visit to Amber, enjoy a tour of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. The highlights of the tour include a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Proceed to the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. End the tour with a visit to the colorful bazaar of the old city.

Day 07:Jaipur – Jodhpur: (aprox 6-7hrs drive / 350kms)

After an early breakfast proceed to Jodhpur, arrive and transfer to your hotel. Early evening we go for a visit to Mandore Gardens - 9 kilometers north of Jodhpur. Mandore was the ancient capital of Marwar. Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 08: Jodhpur

In the morning go on a guided tour of Jodhpur visiting fort, Palace, Armoury and Jaswant Thada.etc.Afternoon and evening is free to explore on your own. Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.

Mehrangarh Fort,situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.

Jaswant Thada,close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs, stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, the romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace. Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies.

Day 09: Jodhpur – Udaipur: (aprox 06hrs drive / 250kms)

After breakfast proceed to Udaipur enroute we visit world famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Arrive Udaipur and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.

Ranakpur is a village located in Desuri tehsil near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan in western India. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. Ranakpur is easily accessed by road from Udaipur. Ranakpur is widely known for its marble Jain temple, and for a much older Sun Temple which lies opposite the former.

Day 10: Udaipur

An early morning guided tour of city visiting City Palace, Jagdish Mandir and Sahalion Ki Badi. After lunch enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Evening is yours to explore the bustling bazaars of Udaipur. Overnight at your hotel.

Chosen recently, by Travel and Leisure Magazine, as Asia's Second Best City, Udaipur is steeped in romance and antiquity. Little wonder that its magical lakes and fairytale water palace continue to lure honeymooners, while history buffs are drawn to its tales of valour that mark the legendary Sisodia saga. Both Hollywood and Bollywood have cashed in on its delightful nuances in Octopussy the James Bond hit, the Raj-era Jewel in the Crown and a slew of Hindi potboilers such as Guide, Jal Mahal, and the recent Eklavya. Dusty and more crowded by the day its atmospheric old quarter may be, but we still love it for its Lake Palace, for its legendary tales of royal intrigue, the lakeside walks at dawn, shopping in the old bazaars and the pinched in mohallas. The dazzle of Udaipur, the Sisodia capital of the Mewar kingdom lies in its mercurial past and vibrant present, an unbeatable combination.

After breakfast proceed to Pushkar and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Pushkar.

Day 11: Udaipur – Pushkar: (aprox 6-7hrs drive / 275kms)

Day 12: Pushkar

Morning,a half-day guided city tour of Pushkar visiting Brahma Temple, Ghats and local Bazaar, lunch and afternoon for Camel Safari till sunset in Pushkar and overnight stay at your hotel.

Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. Pushkar means born due to a flower. Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. It is situated at 14 km North West from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.) It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.

Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. It has five principal temples, many smaller temples and 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters. One of the primary temples is the 14th century temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include those at Besakih in Bali, Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India, village Asotra near Balotra city of Barmer district in Rajasthan and Prambanan in Indonesia.Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair.

After breakfast drive back to Delhi, upon arrival transfer to Hotel and overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.You may opt last minute shopping in Delhi.

Day 13: Pushkar – Delhi (390 kms 6-7 hour drive-Excellent Highway)

Day 14: Delhi Departure

Like all good things,your holiday experience in North India comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience.Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Delhi International airport for your flight home or for onward journey to the South !!

Package Cost Includes:
* 13 Nights stay at designated hotels as per itinerary at designated hotels
* Daily breakfast at all the hotels.
* English speaking local guides at Delhi,Agra, Jaipur,jodhpur,Udaipur & Pushkar for sightseeing
* All transfers and sightseeing as per attached itinerary by excellent Chauffer driven Aircon Vehicles
* All monument entries and park entry fees.
* Riksha ride in Delhi/Jaipur
* Elephant ride at Amber Fort Jaipur as per availability
* Camel Ride at Pushkar
* Driver allowance, Parking, Fuel, etc.
* All taxes including government service tax

Package Cost Excludes:
* Any meals other than those specified
* Any sightseeing unless otherwise specified
* Any train/ air fare which are not included in the package.
* Any Camera fee, Guide fee other than those specified, Ride etc.
* All expenses of personal nature like soft/ hard drinks, Telephone/ Fax, Laundry, Tip etc.
* All other services not mentioned under package cost includes section.
* Prices are valid from 01 October 2011 till 31 March 2012 except during the Peak Season from 15 Dec 2011 till 20 Jan 2012